Wilshere or won’t he leave the Emirates?
The newspapers are split on the future of Jack Wilshere, with The Sun reporting that the Arsenal midfielder could be lured to West Ham, while the Daily Star insists the England reject is likely to stay loyal to the Gunners.
The final decision remains very much up in the air, with Arsenal refusing to budge over the terms of Wilshere’s new contract, which would see him take a 20% cut to pocket £100,000-a-week.
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The Sun says that the Hammers “are willing to hand Wilshere a four-year deal on £130,000-a-week”, with new manager Manuel Pellegrini determined to secure Wilshere.
The former Manchester City boss has told the playmaker that he wants “to build a team around him”. Wilshere has also been courted by Wolves, Everton, Newcastle and even Juventus, but the Londoner is adamant that he wants to stay in the English capital.
The Star says Wilshere has been holding productive talks with new Gunners manager Unai Emery, and that the Spaniard “has made it clear he wants him to stay”.
Gunners going for Golovin?
It appears Arsenal may secretly fear losing Wilshere, however, judging by their interest in Aleksandr Golovin.
The Daily Mirror claims that the Gunners are battling Juventus for the hand of the 22-year-old midfielder, who scored one of Russia’s goals in their 5-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia in the World Cup opening match.
According to Spanish media, the Italian champions are willing to pay £13m plus add-ons to prise Golovin from CSKA Moscow. The Mirror says “the Russian outfit are understood to be holding out for another £10m”.
That leaves the door open for Arsenal and if they can’t strike a deal with Wilshere then they are expected to meet CSKA’s asking price.
Arsenal eye N’Zonzi
Another midfielder on Arsenal’s radar is Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi. The 29-year-old France international is wanted by the Gunners “to add some steel to their midfield”, says the Daily Express. Reports in Spain claim that Arsenal are preparing a bid.